Starlets’ hopes of winning their first-ever WAFCON game received a major reality check after suffering a humbling 4-0 defeat against hosts Morocco, who are managed by the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda.
Despite the defeat, Kenya still qualify for the knockout stages if they manage to win their remaining two matches.
Ahead of the decisive game against Senegal, coach Beldine Odemba says she has been working on her players’ confidence and mental strength.
Senegal will provide a hard test
“The main area has been working on the players mentally to ensure they are ready in the right frame of mind,” said Odemba.
“They are technically and tactically prepared, so we want them to be motivated, confident and ready to face the next opponent.”
Odemba acknowledged Senegal will provide a hard test, describing them as a physical side, but insisted Kenya is prepared to match their intensity.
“Tactically, we have analysed how they played their first match. They are a physical side, but we are ready and capable of matching them,” offered Odemba.
“Senegal are also looking for their first win, so it won't be an easy game. We must improve on converting our chances. We created two clear opportunities early in the match against Morocco and failed to capitalise on them.
“We are looking for a composed performance. If we concede first, how will we react? Concentration will be key. We want to create more chances and be able to capitalise.”
The fixture promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams seeking their first victory of the tournament. Senegal opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Algeria, while Kenya lost to Morocco.
A win for the Harambee Starlets will revive their hopes of proceeding to the second round, while a loss will definitely crush the CECAFA nation’s dream of World Cup qualification.
Thursday’s match will be the first ever meeting between the two ambitious sides. Harambee Starlets left-back Enez Mango believes Kenya still has every chance of turning their campaign around.
“Thursday is the most important game for us. We need all three points,” said Mango.
“We have prepared mentally, we are more confident, and tactically we have to be very smart because they are a physical side. We are ready and hungry for the match.”
WAFCON 2026
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is taking place from July 26th to August 16th in Morocco, across venues in Rabat and Casablanca. The continent's 16 best sides are competing in groups of four before the knockout stages commence on August 8th.
All you need to know about WAFCON | Group standings, fixtures and results | All the latest WAFCON news
‘Kenya is not Algeria’
Senegal head coach Mame Moussa Cisse warned against underestimating Kenya, saying the Starlets deserve their place at the tournament.
“Kenya is an aggressive, combative team with some interesting individual players. But I prefer to first look at our own strengths and what we can improve. If we play to our strengths, we have what it takes to have a good match,” said Cisse.
“We need to be much more clinical. The chances we create must be converted, and we must also avoid repeating the defensive errors we made in the first match.
“Kenya is not Algeria. We have analysed this team and prepared a suitable tactical plan.
“Despite the defeat, we took away some positives from our first match. We dominated certain aspects of the game, but we lacked composure in the decisive moments.”
Heading into the must-win encounter, Odemba is expected to make tactical adjustments, particularly in defence after Kenya's opening defeat.
The Starlets struggled with defensive organisation, while a disconnected midfield left the backline exposed and contributed to costly mistakes against Morocco.
The expanded 16-team WAFCON has raised the level of competition, with even greater rewards on offer.
Besides the continental title, the tournament also serves as the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists automatically securing their places.
Kenya will conclude their Group A campaign against Algeria on August 3rd at the Olympic Stadium. In the other Group A fixture, Morocco will take on Senegal at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
